INSIDE THE BRITS OF THE NORTH AS FIRST NORTHERN MUSIC AWARDS LAUNCHES IN STYLE

The inaugural Northern Music Awards made itself known to the music scene on Tuesday night, as the event launched in Manchester with a star-studded crowd on hand to help raise money for an important cause.

Spice Girl Mel C and d One Direction's Louis Tomlinson triumphed at the first ever awards show dedicated solely to artists from the north of England, with ticket holders treated to performances from the likes of Courtneers frontman Liam Fray, English Teacher, The K's and Antony Szmierek.

The Northern Music Awards, set to rotate across northern cities annually, will use the money raised from this year's event to help support the ambitious vision to open a new Nordoff and Robbins music therapy centre in the North-West. The new Nordoff and Robbins Greater Manchester centre based in Salford will be a multi-disciplinary music making and therapy space, with interactive, accessible music technology throughout, serving the needs of individuals and diverse Northern communities.

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror at Manchester's Albert Hall on Tuesday night, Liam Fray, whose band was honoured with the band of the year award on the night, spoke about how important the event was for shining a spotlight on the north's musical maestros and up-and-coming stars. "The fact that it's the first [Northern Music Awards]... it feels like it should have happened ages ago," the Not Nineteen Forever hitmaker declared.

"So it's really exciting it's happening," Liam continued. "I hope it's the first of many, many, many more to come. I think if I was younger and saw a music awards based in my region, I'd just be excited - whether it's "London" - the gatekeepers let's call them - that is intimidating. It's intimidating for us and we've been doing it for 18 years! It just feels quite important to shout about our creativity."

Discussing the Manchester music scene, Liam, who hails from Middleton, Greater Manchester, mused: "Just on a personal level, the amount of bands who have moved here in the last two or three years is pretty staggering. Around 10 years ago, everyone would have been going to London. So there's certainly some kind of shift in the arts and it's great!"

The inaugural event had no shortage of celebrities from all industries gracing the Albert Hall to celebrate musical offering north of London, with Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, This Is England star Thomas Turgoose and Manchester United legend Gary Neville, alongside New Order's own Gillian Gilbert and Stephen Morris all in attendance.

Widnes born Melanie Chisholm, aka Sporty Spice, bagged the special recognition gong for her impressive music career, with TV favourite Helen Skelton handing over the accolade. The Spice Girl couldn't make the event in Manchester but shared her joy via video, exclaiming: "Thank you so, so much for this award. Look at that, it's gorgeous, isn't it?

"I'm a little bit out of practice! I can't remember the last time I got an award, especially on my own.I can't quite believe it's the first Nordoff and Robbins Northern Music Awards. Let's face it, all the best music comes from the North, so why has it taken so long? I'm gutted I can't be there. It's great to be honoured by such a wonderful charity which does great work."

Meanwhile, Louis Tomlinson, the former One Direction heartthrob turned solo artist, scooped up the artist of the year accolade. Although he couldn't attend in person, he expressed his gratitude through a video message: "It means the world to win artist of the year, thank you, thank you, thank you. And thanks to Nordoff and Robbins for doing such an incredible thing."

The Doncaster native didn't just stop at words; he generously donated a signed Fender Duo Sonic guitar to a public prize draw. Currently embracing the challenge of learning guitar himself, he shared that he "finds a lot of joy in it" and hopes that "by donating a guitar it will encourage and help someone else begin to learn how to play".

Proceeds from the event are earmarked for a noble cause the establishment of a new Nordoff and Robbins music therapy centre in Salford, Greater Manchester. As the UK's leading music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins have been instrumental in changing lives through music.

The bash also celebrated Mancunian rapper Aitch, who scooped the music moment of the year for his epic 2023 Glastonbury set, while Rotherham rockers The Reytons bagged the disruptor in music award and up-and-comers The K's nabbed the breakthrough act of the year.

Rochdale's very own Lisa Stansfield was honoured with the Northern icon award and wowed the crowd with her classic All Around The World. Overwhelmed with emotion, she shared: "I'm so honoured to receive this award, it means a massive amount to me because when I was 14-years-old, I started my career on Granada TV just around the corner."

"Then I went around the whole of the north of England doing cabaret and clubs, that was my apprenticeship ... Then my agent introduced me to Nordoff and Robbins and I'm so glad that he did. They're absolutely incredible. They really do teach people that music is like magic, and it can do things that not a lot of other things can do."

Tim Burgess, the iconic frontman of The Charlatans, clinched the headline Northern Music Award 2024 handed over by none other than the New Order legends. Burgess expressed his gratitude: "Firstly, I'd like to thank Nordoff and Robbins for this moment, and two of my music heroes for presenting me with the honour," he said. "Secondly, to everyone who's been part of my musical journey ... it's been a long road, so if you're just starting out, stick with it."

The Northern Music Award statue was designed by contemporary British artist Thomas Wolski. Speaking after the awards, Nadra Shah, Director of Engagement and Communications, Nordoff and Robbins, said: "The Northern Music Awards are all about honouring the massive musical talent that continues to come out of this region.

"We want to thank all the artists, venues, festivals, music industry teams, sponsors and music fans who have come together to celebrate with us and make this first ever awards a reality. We’ve had an amazing night honouring the enormous success of both established artists and some of the region's most exciting new emerging talent.

"The awards aim to support and help to grow the ecosystem of Northern musicians whilst shining a light on the transformative work that Nordoff and Robbins does with music therapy to connect with some of the region’s most isolated communities. In 2024 we’re celebrating 20 years of music therapy in Greater Manchester and we’re excited that this show will support our vision to open a brand new music therapy centre for the people of the city. – helped by the money raised from these awards."

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2024-04-24T13:46:08Z dg43tfdfdgfd